The declaration sends a clear signal that the Welsh Government will not allow the process of leaving the EU to detract from the challenge of climate change, which threatens our health, economy, infrastructure and our natural environment.

The announcement draws attention to the magnitude and significance of the latest evidence from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and highlights the recent climate protests across the UK.

The latest advice on from the Welsh Government’s statutory advisory body the UK Committee on Climate Change on how meeting the goals in the Paris Agreement might affect Wales’ long-term climate change legislative targets is due at the end of the week.

Rebecca Evans AM said: “Tackling climate change is the defining issue of this generation and the Welsh Government is right to declare a climate emergency.

“All governments have a moral responsibility to act. Tackling climate change is not an issue which can be left to individuals or to the free market. It requires collective action and the Welsh Government has a central role in making that collective action possible.

“I hope this decision to declare a climate emergency inspires others to take action both here in Wales and around the world.”